An oasis in the industrial backstreets of Wandsworth, The Ship is an unexpected find sitting on the banks of the Thames.

The Venue
Another Young’s stalwart, The Ship is a pub for those in the know. Its random location on the site of an old gas works is not noticeable from any main road and is a little tricky to find behind the huge Wandsworth roundabout. It seems the secret is out, however, and this is arguably one of the most popular drinking spots in the Southwest.

At the helm of its success is an outstanding outdoor deck with copious outdoor seating, inches away from the serenely lapping waves of the Thames. An outdoor bar offers extra service in the busy summer, whilst wintry days can be spent in the airy conservatory or cosy restaurant (with heated patio). The weathered mismatched tables, tired floorboards and narrow passageways inside are all part of this friendly venue’s historical charm.

The Atmosphere
When the sun makes a rare appearance you better be quick to grab one of the prime benches on the deck outside - The Ship is buzzing in the warmer months with the joy that spills over when sun-starved Londoners get their dose of vitamin D and the Pimms season kicks in. There are plenty of crates and stools to swig your brew on and happy revellers also crowd around the open-air bar and BBQ. If you fancy a more relaxed atmosphere, hidden away from the crowds, you can enjoy an a la carte meal in a sunken garden at the back of the pub.

In colder weather, The Ship transforms into a cosy haven, complete with roaring fire, perfect for relaxing beside with the moody twinkling lights of Battersea Bridge and riverside buildings as a backdrop. A spot such as this attracts all types, and you’ll find well-to-do Battersea locals enjoying a refined lunch alongside lager louts and young pretty things partying until late.

The Food
The quality of The Ship thankfully extends to their menu, which offers delicious food inside the pub and top-notch barbecued grub outside when it’s a bit warmer. The menu changes seasonally, sometimes even daily, and features stunning produce and modern British cuisine with some unique twists.

It’s pricier than your average Young’s pub menu, with dishes like an open lasagne with butternut squash, sage, ricotta and parmesan ranging from £9.95 to around £15 (or to £25 for a 250g chargrilled ribeye steak) but when your dish arrives, always beautifully presented, you will not be disappointed. If you need a more budget-friendly option, the BBQ outside dishes up great-tasting burgers, bangers, steaks and fish all year round (when it’s warm enough).

The Drink
Like any good Young’s pub, real ale is the captain of the show and you’ll find Charles Wells Bombardier, Young’s Bitter, Tribute and Young’s Special (pints are around £3). Lager-wise, there’s Fosters, Heineken and Staropramen on tap at a decent £3.45-£3.85 and the ciders and Pimms necessary for any respectable summer.

A great deal of care has been put into the impressive wine list, although there are definitely more high-end choices than cheaper tipples. By the glass, there are around five whites and seven reds from £3.55-£5.95 for a small glass, while there are more opulent choices including prestige Champagnes only sold by the bottle if you want to splash out. There is more on offer for red drinkers with some lovely high-end French drops, like the Chateauneuf Du Pape Domaine Font De Michelle at a hefty £59.95.

The Last Word
At The Ship, the affluent gourmands who come for the wine and food coexist happily alongside young, rowdy drinkers of the Southwest who need to be rolled home at the end of the night. With such a spectacular location, top food and that deck, a great day or night out here is smooth sailing.

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